In my position as College Administrator for South East College, I have found over the years that many students have not completed any formal training or learning since leaving school.
Setting up an assignment, or inserting a table into a document, or turning a page landscape, even inserting page numbers can all come as a shock to them, no matter what age they are! To me, it is second nature. But that’s not the case for many students. Some students didn’t have an email address before they started to study as their employer enrolled them.
I think I probably “Mammy” students a bit, but I feel that, occasionally, they need that little bit of extra encouragement and help to keep them moving forward, and to get them over the line. But I’m not such a softy that students walk over me – we do expect students to learn and grow! The learning journey has to be challenging but comfortable also.
I provide students with a sample layout of their first assignment, so they can see the standard required. I even have “start typing here” on each of the sections within it! This is very helpful for students and takes that initial stress off them. Some are disappointed when I don’t set up their second assignment for them!
I always tell the students to contact me if they are struggling with their assignment layout or something within the assignment. Time is precious when you are juggling work, home and study, so a little help from me goes a long way. There is no point in them spending hours (and pulling their hair out) over a table that won’t fit the page or an image that jumps around! Sometimes it’s the little things that give us the most stress. Initially, some students feel they don’t want to bother me, but I don’t mind, honest!!
A bad experience can be very off-putting. I want our students to have a good experience, so that they will continue their education in the future, with confidence!
Tina Byrne
College & Student Adminstrator
